Trending 
President Bola Tinubu has called on the National Assembly to review Nigeria’s laws to allow states that require state police to establish them. The appeal comes as insecurity escalates across the country, following mass abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States.
In a statement on Wednesday, Tinubu urged lawmakers to begin immediate legislative action to permit willing states to operate their own police forces.
He also declared a nationwide security emergency and instructed security agencies to expand recruitment. He authorised the Nigerian Police and Armed Forces to take on more personnel, directing the police to recruit 20,000 additional officers, increasing the intake to 50,000.
Tinubu ordered officers withdrawn from VIP duties to undergo crash retraining for deployment to high-risk areas and authorised the use of NYSC camps as temporary police training centres. He instructed agencies to recruit personnel to secure difficult terrain and forested regions.
The president advised against placing boarding schools in isolated locations without adequate security and urged religious institutions in vulnerable areas to seek consistent police protection. He called for unity and public vigilance, stating:
“Fellow compatriots, I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair.”
Tinubu praised security agencies for rescuing 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara, pledging continued efforts to free students kidnapped in Niger State. He reaffirmed support for state-run security outfits already operating in some regions and honoured fallen troops, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
The renewed push for state policing comes amid worsening nationwide insecurity. While some governors, security experts, and regional blocs support the proposal, opponents warn it could be misused by governors and create funding and coordination challenges. Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has insisted that strengthening the existing Nigeria Police Force remains the safer approach, citing the country’s current readiness.
Since last Monday, armed groups have carried out significant abductions in northern states:
- Kebbi: 25 schoolgirls kidnapped; a senior staff member killed.
- Niger: 303 pupils and 12 teachers seized from St Mary’s Catholic School; about 50 pupils escaped.
- Kwara: 38 worshippers abducted from Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, later released; another 11 residents, including children and pregnant women, abducted in Isapa.
Following these incidents, several states, including Katsina, Taraba, Plateau, Kebbi, and Bauchi, closed schools. The Federal Government also shut 47 Unity Colleges nationwide.
Tinubu has ordered full security cordons and expanded Air Force surveillance across affected states, directing agencies to intensify rescue operations for the remaining victims
